Dead, beaten and abused: Millions paid in secret settlements to keep bad cops on the street and the public in danger

We recommend this article about how municipalities have covered up police abuse by ensuring that settlements are not publicized. A review of police departments across the state of New Jersey reveals how when officers break the law or commit misconduct, the investigations of their wrongdoing are often kept secret. When civilians complain about police abuse or brutality, their settlements are not public. This secrecy permits police officers who abuse their position of power to remain on the force. Although this article focuses on New Jersey, the problem of police secrecy exists in Massachusetts as well. While settlements using public funds cannot by law be kept confidential, settlements by insurance companies can be subject to confidentiality clauses. Keeping information about civil rights violations by police officers protects police officers and their departments from being held accountable for their misconduct.